Quinn asks feds to give state more time to replace 'swept' funds

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has formally asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to give Illinois more time to put federally restricted funds back in their proper place.

Chris Young

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has formally asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to give Illinois more time to put federally restricted funds back in their proper place.

The state faces the loss of $16 million in federal funds for fish and wildlife projects if it does not formally restore $9.25 million “swept” from six funds that receive money from hunting and fishing licenses and related fees.

In a letter dated Jan. 22, Quinn asked Thomas O’Melius, regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to give the state 90 days more “to finalize a remedy” to the diversion of wildlife funds.

“Given the unfortunate and unprecedented situation regarding the impeachment of our current governor and the timing of the impeachment proceedings, it is unlikely that the appropriations bill will be signed before the February 2 deadline,” Quinn wrote.

The Fish and Wildlife Service’s acting director, Rowan Gould, could declare Illinois ineligible for the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Future federal funding beyond the $16 million for this fiscal year also could be at risk.

States have to agree not to spend license money on purposes other than fish and wildlife restoration or risk losing a share of a federal excise tax on sporting goods, like ammunition and fishing equipment.

The $9.25 million originally was part of $211 million lawmakers voted to take from a long list of special state funds.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed $55 million from the sweeps bill, including the $9.25 million in question. However, the legislature had to vote to put the funds back, and the Fish and Wildlife Service gave the state 45 days to do so. That period ends Feb. 2.

A supplemental appropriations bill has been passed by both houses, but has not been sent to the governor yet. Leaders of conservation groups have expressed concern that the distraction of Blagojevich’s Senate impeachment trial could mean the bill won’t become law in time to stop the Fish and Wildlife Service from penalizing Illinois.

Jason Holm, spokesman with the Fish and Wildlife Service, says significant amounts accumulate in funds that are repositories for hunting and fishing license dollars, creating “tempting targets” for government officials looking for cash to pay the state’s bills.

John Christian, assistant regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Fort Snelling, Minn., said both the Governor's and Lt. Governor's offices have "worked diligently" to find a solution, but "right now there's no fix."

Christian said the Fish and Wildlife Service is focused on whether or not the state will be able to come up with a remedy by Feb. 2.

"I've seen the will to do this, but it hasn't reached the finish line so to speak," he said. "And we feel a responsibility to the sportsmen and women of Illinois to proceed with our action with the strong hope and desire that they will make corrective action.

"We believe these sanctions are appropriate and necessary to protect those funds, and we are going to carry out our responsibility."

The Feb. 2 deadline does not mean that Illinois automatically will lose its federal wildlife funds, but the date is "one step closer to a diversion finding, and one step closer to losing its money."

The Washington office will look at the circumstances once the deadline arrives.

Christian warned that the swept money - with interest -- needs to be returned quickly.

"The longer it isn't resolved, the more money is owned back to the fish and wildlife account," he said.

Marc Miller, policy adviser to Quinn, said a letter would have been sent whether the Governor was facing impeachment or not. Quinn will become governor if Blagojevich is removed from office.

“The lieutenant governor’s work on conservation is a longstanding commitment and we felt it necessary to request an extension given the unique circumstance,” Miller said.

Quinn chairs the Illinois River Coordinating Council.

Miller said the Fish and Wildlife Service said it would consider the request.

“I learned last week that California also is a concern (to the Fish and Wildlife Service), because they are planning to do the same thing,” said Miller. “The Fish and Wildlife Service is likely to take a very strong stance to head off any other state’s thinking that they can use those funds for any other purposes.”

Chris Young can be reached at (217) 788-1528 or chris.young@sj-r.com.

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